Ghana High Commission in London Legalisation

UK documents intended for official use in Ghana generally require both UK and Ghanaian authentication.

For most documents, the process begins with an FCDO Apostille. The apostilled document is then submitted to the Ghana High Commission in London for further legalisation or attestation. Current operational guidance continues to confirm this two-stage process. (wlegalisation.co.uk)

Ghana does not currently appear among the Contracting Parties to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. An FCDO Apostille alone should therefore not normally be treated as sufficient for use in Ghana. (hcch.net)

Ginkgo Advisory can assist with the complete process or with Ghana High Commission legalisation only where the document already carries a suitable FCDO Apostille.

Ghana High Commission legalisation service at a glance

Stage	What may be required
Document review	Check the document and intended use in Ghana
Certification or notarisation	Required for some private or corporate documents
FCDO Apostille	UK authentication of the signature, stamp or seal
Ghana High Commission legalisation	Final London consular authentication
Supporting copy	Photocopy of the document required
Return arrangement	Prepaid secure return envelope where applicable

The exact preliminary requirements depend on the document type.

What is Ghana High Commission legalisation?

Ghana High Commission legalisation is the authentication of a document by the Ghana High Commission in London.

For a typical UK document, the process is:

UK document → certification or notarisation where required → FCDO Apostille → Ghana High Commission legalisation

Official UK certificates can sometimes proceed directly to the FCDO.

Private documents, copies, Powers of Attorney and certain company documents may first require certification by a practising solicitor or Notary Public.

Is an FCDO Apostille enough for Ghana?

Normally, no.

The HCCH’s current Apostille Convention status table lists 130 Contracting Parties, but Ghana is not among them. (hcch.net)

GOV.UK explains that where the destination is outside the Hague Apostille system, further authentication by the destination country’s diplomatic mission can be required after the FCDO Apostille. (gov.uk)

For Ghana, the normal chain therefore remains:

FCDO Apostille → Ghana High Commission legalisation

The receiving authority in Ghana may impose additional local requirements depending on the purpose of the document.

Already have an FCDO Apostille?

There is normally no need to obtain another Apostille where the existing one is suitable.

Ginkgo Advisory can review the document for Ghana High Commission legalisation only.

Please send us:

1. A clear scan of the complete document
2. A scan of the FCDO Apostille
3. The intended use in Ghana
4. Details of the receiving authority or organisation
5. Any instructions received from Ghana
6. Your required completion date

We can check the High Commission requirements before the original is submitted.

Which UK documents can require Ghana High Commission legalisation?

Legalisation can apply to personal, educational and commercial documents.

Personal documents

Common examples include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce documents
• Death certificates
• ACRO Police Certificates
• DBS certificates
• Medical certificates
• Affidavits
• Statutory declarations
• Deed polls
• Change-of-name documents
• Consent letters
• Passport copies
• Powers of Attorney
• Court documents

The appropriate preparation depends on whether the document is directly eligible for an Apostille.

Educational documents

Academic documents may include:

• Degree certificates
• Master’s degree certificates
• PhD certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Diplomas
• Professional qualifications
• Teaching qualifications
• Training certificates
• School certificates

Some educational documents require solicitor or notarial certification before the FCDO can issue an Apostille.

The Ghanaian employer, university or professional body may also request separate verification from the issuing institution.

Corporate and commercial documents

Company matters can involve:

• Certificates of Incorporation
• Companies House documents
• Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Board resolutions
• Shareholder resolutions
• Commercial Powers of Attorney
• Agency agreements
• Distribution agreements
• Commercial contracts
• Certificates of Free Sale
• Bank documents
• Company declarations
• Certificates of Good Standing
• Trademark documents
• Other commercial certificates

Private company documents often require certification or notarisation before the Apostille stage.

Ghana High Commission legalisation fee

Current operational guidance lists the Ghana High Commission fee as:

£80 per document

for UK documents submitted for legalisation. (wlegalisation.co.uk)

Recent specialist sources also continue to quote £80 per document and approximately 4–5 working days for the Ghanaian stage. (notarypublic.london)

The £80 charge does not include:

• FCDO Apostille fees
• Solicitor certification
• Notarial charges
• Verification fees
• Ginkgo Advisory professional fees
• Postal or courier costs
• Any payment instrument or processing charge imposed by the High Commission

Fees should be reconfirmed before submission.

Ghana High Commission processing time

The current estimated processing period is approximately:

4–5 working days

once the document has been accepted by the Ghana High Commission. (wlegalisation.co.uk)

This period excludes:

• Solicitor certification
• Notarisation
• FCDO Apostille
• Postal transit
• Return delivery
• Any additional document verification

Applicants with fixed deadlines should therefore allow for the complete legalisation chain.

Photocopy requirement

A photocopy should accompany the original document submitted for legalisation.

Current Ghana operational guidance specifically states that a photocopy of the document is required upon submission. (wlegalisation.co.uk)

Recent specialist guidance also recommends supplying a copy of every apostilled document presented to the High Commission. (apostillelondon.com)

The original Apostilled document remains necessary.

A photocopy alone cannot replace the original for legalisation.

Return envelope requirement

Where the completed document is to be returned by post, a prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope should be supplied.

Current operational guidance specifically identifies this return requirement. (wlegalisation.co.uk)

Using tracked Special Delivery provides both:

• Secure return
• Delivery tracking

The return envelope should be correctly addressed before submission.

Payment method

Current published sources are not completely consistent on the payment procedure.

One operational guide updated in March 2026 states:

Card payment on submission. (wlegalisation.co.uk)

Other recent Ghana legalisation specialists report payment by Postal Order, with some quoting an additional Postal Order-related charge. (notarypublic.london)

The Ghana High Commission’s own current Consular information shows that payment arrangements can include card or Postal Order for certain attestation services, although that published information relates to Ghana-issued documents rather than the foreign-document £80 service.

For this reason, the current payment method should be confirmed immediately before submission.

Cash should not be assumed to be acceptable.

Ghana High Commission appointments

The Ghana High Commission’s current official website states that:

Visits to the Consular Section are by online appointment only. (london.mfa.gov.gh)

Applicants should therefore arrange the applicable appointment before attending.

The general Consular opening hours should not be treated as confirmation that legalisation applications can be lodged without an appointment.

Legalisation submission times

Current operational legalisation guidance lists the document submission window as:

10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday to Thursday

(wlegalisation.co.uk)

Recent specialist legalisation sources report the same restricted Tuesday-to-Thursday pattern, although some give an 11:00 am starting time. (apostillelondon.com)

The Ghana High Commission’s official website separately lists its wider Consular working hours as:

9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday

and states that visits require an online appointment. (london.mfa.gov.gh)

For document legalisation, the specific appointment confirmation should therefore take priority over the general office hours.

Ghana High Commission address in London

Legalisation is handled at:

Ghana High Commission
13 Belgrave Square
London SW1X 8PN

The High Commission’s current official website confirms this address. (london.mfa.gov.gh)

Its main published telephone numbers are:

+44 (0)20 7201 5921 / 5900

The current general Consular email is:

consular@ghc-uk.org

(london.mfa.gov.gh)

Current FCDO Apostille fees

The FCDO currently charges:

Service	FCDO fee per document
Standard paper Apostille	£45
Next-Day paper Apostille for registered businesses	£40
e-Apostille	£35
Restricted Urgent paper Apostille	£100

(gov.uk)

Return delivery is additional for paper-based applications where applicable.

Not every service is available for every document or applicant.

Current FCDO Apostille processing times

The precise FCDO timeframe should be checked when the application is made.

The available routes currently include:

• Standard paper Apostille
• Next-Day paper Apostille for registered businesses
• Restricted Urgent service subject to eligibility and prior approval
• e-Apostille for eligible electronically signed documents

The document must first be suitable for legalisation before the FCDO can issue an Apostille. (gov.uk)

Does the document need solicitor certification?

It depends on the document.

Original UK public documents may sometimes proceed directly to the FCDO.

Examples can include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Certain court documents
• Certain government-issued certificates

Private documents generally require an eligible signature before they can be Apostilled.

Examples can include:

• Powers of Attorney
• Passport copies
• Affidavits
• Statutory declarations
• Private company resolutions
• Contracts
• Letters
• Copies of qualifications

A practising solicitor or Notary Public may therefore need to certify or execute the document first.

Birth certificate legalisation for Ghana

A UK birth certificate will commonly follow:

UK Birth Certificate → FCDO Apostille → Ghana High Commission legalisation

The certificate should be an eligible official version.

Additional documents may be requested by the Ghanaian receiving authority for:

• Citizenship
• Family registration
• Immigration
• Passport applications
• Inheritance
• Education

The legalisation itself does not confirm that all substantive application requirements have been met.

Marriage certificate legalisation for Ghana

The normal process for a UK marriage certificate is:

UK Marriage Certificate → FCDO Apostille → Ghana High Commission legalisation

This may be required for:

• Spousal applications
• Family registration
• Property matters
• Immigration
• Court proceedings
• Name changes

The Ghanaian authority may separately request identification or supporting civil-status documents.

ACRO Police Certificate legalisation for Ghana

A UK ACRO Police Certificate may be required for employment, residence, immigration or regulatory purposes in Ghana.

The normal route is:

ACRO Police Certificate → FCDO Apostille → Ghana High Commission legalisation

The certificate should be checked for any Ghanaian validity requirement before legalisation begins.

Some receiving authorities only accept police certificates issued within a specified period.

DBS certificate legalisation for Ghana

A UK DBS certificate can also require authentication for employment or professional purposes.

The process is commonly:

DBS Certificate → FCDO Apostille → Ghana High Commission legalisation

The employer or regulator should confirm whether:

• Basic DBS is sufficient
• Standard or Enhanced DBS is required
• The original certificate must be used
• A validity period applies

Legalisation does not alter the type or scope of the DBS check.

Degree certificate legalisation for Ghana

Educational documents are frequently legalised for:

• Employment
• University admission
• Professional registration
• Teaching roles
• Healthcare employment
• Government appointments
• Work permits

A typical degree route may be:

UK degree → solicitor/notarial certification where required → FCDO Apostille → Ghana High Commission legalisation

The exact certification depends on the qualification and document format.

Academic transcript legalisation for Ghana

Academic transcripts may require a different preparation from a degree certificate.

Where the FCDO cannot directly authenticate the issuing institution’s signature, the transcript may first need certification.

The Ghanaian receiving institution can also request direct verification from the university.

Verification and legalisation are separate processes.

Power of Attorney legalisation for Ghana

A UK Power of Attorney intended for Ghana commonly requires:

Signing / notarisation → FCDO Apostille → Ghana High Commission legalisation

The Ghanaian lawyer or receiving authority should approve the wording before execution.

Particular care is advisable for Powers of Attorney concerning:

• Property
• Probate
• Inheritance
• Banking
• Company representation
• Court proceedings
• Land transactions

Changing the document after notarisation will normally require the authentication process to be repeated.

Property Power of Attorney for Ghana

Property transactions are a common reason for legalising UK Powers of Attorney.

Before signing, confirm:

• Full details of the property
• Full name of the appointed attorney
• Scope of the attorney’s authority
• Whether the authority permits sale, transfer or registration
• Any Ghana-specific drafting requirements

A Ghanaian lawyer should ideally approve the substantive text before the UK notarial stage.

The UK solicitor or Notary Public authenticates execution rather than advising on Ghanaian property law unless separately qualified to do so.

Commercial documents for Ghana

Company documents can also follow the FCDO and High Commission route.

Examples include:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Companies House records
• Board resolutions
• Commercial Powers of Attorney
• Agency agreements
• Company declarations
• Contracts
• Bank documents

A typical privately executed company document can require:

UK company document → solicitor/notarial certification → FCDO Apostille → Ghana High Commission legalisation

Evidence of company authority may be required before certification.

Certificate of Incorporation legalisation for Ghana

A Companies House Certificate of Incorporation may be required for:

• Company registration in Ghana
• Opening a corporate bank account
• Investment applications
• Establishing a branch
• Commercial due diligence

The precise FCDO preparation depends on the format of the Companies House document.

A downloaded electronic document should not automatically be treated in the same way as an eligible original public record.

Board resolution legalisation for Ghana

A board resolution is normally a privately executed company document.

It may therefore require certification or notarisation before the Apostille.

Supporting company evidence can include:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Companies House officer records
• Articles of Association
• Passport of the signing director
• Board authority

The Ghanaian recipient should approve the resolution wording before execution wherever possible.

Commercial Power of Attorney

A corporate Power of Attorney should clearly identify:

• UK company name
• Company number
• Registered address
• Signatory
• Signatory’s capacity
• Ghanaian attorney or agent
• Scope of authority

Once executed correctly, the document can proceed through the appropriate UK authentication and Ghana High Commission stages.

Can several documents share one Apostille?

Related documents can sometimes be bound under one notarial certificate before the FCDO stage.

That may reduce the number of Apostilles required.

However, applicants should not assume that the Ghana High Commission or final Ghanaian recipient will necessarily treat the bundle as one document for every purpose.

The receiving authority should be consulted before several independent documents are combined.

Can several documents share one Ghana High Commission fee?

Recent specialist guidance reports that related documents bound beneath one notarial certificate and a single Apostille may sometimes be treated as a single legalised bundle. (apostillelondon.com)

This should not be relied upon without confirmation.

Where the Ghanaian recipient requires individual documents to carry separate authentication, bundling may be unsuitable.

Send us the complete set first if cost-saving through bundling is being considered.

Do documents need to be translated?

English is an official language in Ghana.

UK documents written in English therefore do not usually require translation simply because they are being used in Ghana.

A translation can still be required where:

• The original document is in another language
• The receiving authority requests a particular format
• Supporting documents are not in English

The recipient should confirm any language requirement.

Foreign documents for use in Ghana

A document issued outside the UK should not automatically be sent to the FCDO.

GOV.UK states that documents issued in another country should normally be legalised through the authorities of that country. (gov.uk)

Living in Britain does not change the country where the document was issued.

A foreign document can require:

Country-of-origin authentication → Ghanaian Embassy / High Commission responsible for that country

The precise process depends on the jurisdiction.

Ghana-issued documents for use abroad

A document issued in Ghana follows a different authentication procedure.

The Ghana High Commission’s current information for Ghana-issued documents describes a process involving:

1. Appropriate Ghanaian notarisation where required
2. Ghana Judicial Service certification
3. Authentication by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
4. Further High Commission attestation where applicable

Current official Consular material lists a separate fee structure for Ghana-issued documents, distinct from the £80 foreign-document legalisation service.

The two procedures should not be confused.

Sending documents by post

Current operational guidance indicates that legalisation can involve postal return arrangements.

Where documents are being returned by post, a prepaid self-addressed Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope should be supplied. (wlegalisation.co.uk)

Recent guidance also recommends emailing copies of the relevant documents to the Consular Section before originals are submitted. (apostillelondon.com)

Current postal and pre-submission requirements should be reconfirmed for each application.

Online appointment requirement

The High Commission’s official website now clearly states:

Visits to the Consular Section will be by online appointment only. (london.mfa.gov.gh)

This means older references to unrestricted walk-in submission should not be relied upon.

Arrange the appointment before travelling with the original document.

Common reasons Ghana legalisation is delayed

Applications can be delayed where:

• The FCDO Apostille is missing
• The document required solicitor certification first
• Notarisation was completed incorrectly
• The wrong signature was Apostilled
• A photocopy has not been supplied
• No return envelope has been included where postal return is required
• The payment method has not been checked
• The appointment has not been booked
• Submission is attempted outside the legalisation window
• A downloaded company document has not been properly certified
• A foreign document has incorrectly been sent through the UK route
• A Power of Attorney contains errors
• The receiving authority requires separate documents rather than a bundle

Checking the submission before obtaining the Apostille can reduce repeat costs.

Can I submit directly to the Ghana High Commission?

Yes, subject to the High Commission’s current appointment and submission rules.

The document should already have the correct FCDO Apostille.

Applicants should also prepare:

• Original apostilled document
• Required photocopy
• Return envelope where required
• Current payment method
• Appointment confirmation
• Any additional supporting identification or application form

The exact requirements should be checked before attendance.

Ghana High Commission legalisation only

Where the FCDO stage has already been completed correctly, Ginkgo Advisory can assist with the remaining High Commission process.

We can review:

• Document
• Apostille
• Supporting copies
• Current consular fee
• Payment procedure
• Appointment requirement
• Submission window
• Return arrangements

This avoids unnecessarily repeating earlier UK authentication.

Full Ghana document legalisation service

Where the document has not yet been prepared, we can assess the complete process.

Depending on the document, the service may include:

• Document assessment
• Solicitor certification
• Notarial certification
• FCDO Apostille
• Ghana High Commission legalisation
• Appointment management
• Consular submission
• Collection
• Completion scan
• Royal Mail Special Delivery
• DHL international return

The correct route should be established from the actual document before processing begins.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ghana in the Hague Apostille Convention?

No.

Ghana does not currently appear among the Contracting Parties listed in the HCCH Apostille Convention status table. (hcch.net)

Is an FCDO Apostille enough for Ghana?

Normally, no.

A UK document generally requires further legalisation by the Ghana High Commission in London.

What is the legalisation process for a UK document?

The usual route is:

UK document → FCDO Apostille → Ghana High Commission legalisation

Certification or notarisation may be required before the FCDO stage.

How much is Ghana High Commission legalisation?

Current operational guidance lists:

£80 per document. (wlegalisation.co.uk)

Additional FCDO, certification, delivery and professional charges are separate.

How long does Ghana High Commission legalisation take?

Allow approximately:

4–5 working days

for the High Commission stage. (wlegalisation.co.uk)

Does the Ghana High Commission require a photocopy?

Yes.

Current operational guidance states that a photocopy of the document should accompany the submission. (wlegalisation.co.uk)

Do I need a Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope?

Where postal return is required, a prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope should be supplied. (wlegalisation.co.uk)

Can I pay by card?

A March 2026 operational source states that card payment is accepted on submission. (wlegalisation.co.uk)

Other recent sources report Postal Order payment instead. The current method should therefore be confirmed before attendance.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes.

The Ghana High Commission’s current official website states that visits to the Consular Section are by online appointment only. (london.mfa.gov.gh)

What are the Ghana legalisation submission hours?

Current operational guidance lists:

10:00 am–1:00 pm, Tuesday to Thursday. (wlegalisation.co.uk)

The specific appointment confirmation should be checked before attendance.

What are the general Ghana Consular Section opening hours?

The High Commission currently lists its wider Consular working hours as:

9:30 am–3:00 pm, Monday to Friday. (london.mfa.gov.gh)

These general hours are broader than the reported legalisation-submission window.

Where is the Ghana High Commission in London?

The High Commission is at:

13 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PN. (london.mfa.gov.gh)

Can you legalise an ACRO Police Certificate for Ghana?

Yes.

The usual process is:

ACRO Police Certificate → FCDO Apostille → Ghana High Commission legalisation

Can you legalise a UK degree for Ghana?

Yes.

The qualification may need appropriate certification before the FCDO Apostille, followed by Ghana High Commission legalisation.

Can you legalise a Power of Attorney for Ghana?

Yes.

A Power of Attorney normally requires appropriate execution or notarisation before obtaining an Apostille and Ghanaian legalisation.

Can you legalise company documents?

Yes.

Certificates of Incorporation, board resolutions, Powers of Attorney and other UK company documents can be assessed for the appropriate FCDO and High Commission route.

Does a foreign document get a UK Apostille for Ghana?

Not ordinarily.

A document issued outside the UK should normally complete its authentication in the country where it was issued. (gov.uk)

Can several documents be bundled?

Potentially, depending on their relationship and the requirements of the Ghanaian recipient.

Bundling should be confirmed before notarisation rather than assumed.

Can you provide Ghana High Commission legalisation only?

Yes.

Where the document already carries an acceptable FCDO Apostille, we can assess it for the remaining Ghana High Commission stage.

Arrange Ghana High Commission legalisation in London

Send Ginkgo Advisory a clear scan before posting the original document.

Please provide:

1. The complete document
2. Existing FCDO Apostille, if available
3. Intended use in Ghana
4. Details of the receiving authority or organisation
5. Any written requirements received from Ghana
6. Required completion date

For company documents, also provide the company’s country of incorporation.

For Powers of Attorney, include the final wording approved by the Ghanaian lawyer or recipient where available.

We can then establish the appropriate route:

UK document → certification where required → FCDO Apostille → Ghana High Commission legalisation

Ghana High Commission and FCDO requirements, fees, payment arrangements, appointments and submission times can change without notice. Current published sources differ on the payment method for foreign-document legalisation, so this should be reconfirmed before submission. Final acceptance remains subject to the Ghana High Commission and the receiving authority in Ghana.